You possess a range of skills and strengths which when combined, make you truly unique. And yet many women in particular, tend to be modest about these qualities. That’s not helpful when it comes to applying for jobs or promotion. Girls are often brought up not to ‘show off’. In the classroom ‘good girls’ are those who quietly get on with their work while boys frequently make the most noise, taking up more space and attention. In the workplace, women who are more outspoken may be described as ‘bossy’ where men may be described as ‘assertive.’
Many of us are brought up not to overtly ‘sell’ ourselves. This can make situations such as interviews uncomfortable. We may hope that our achievements will speak for themselves. Unfortunately you only have to look at the gendered hierarchies in most workplaces to see that’s not the reality.
1. Identify your individual qualities
Firstly you need to know what your particular qualities are. You can identify your Strengths by completing a FREE version of Cappfinity’s Strengths profile. A more comprehensive Introductory profile is available for £15.00.
Next are Skills. This list from jobs board Indeed provides a starting point if you’re not sure where to begin. However it’s by no means exhaustive. You may have exceptionally high-level technical or inter-personal skills that go well beyond those listed here.
Identifying your Values will add depth and help you identify what’s most important to you. For a list, see my post on Values.
If you have a professional qualification there may be very specific skills you’ve had to learn and develop over time. If you are an academic, you’ll have a range of niche skills linked to your area of research.
2. Ask others for their input
You particular skills and strengths will feel so natural to you, that you may not notice you’re using them. It’s therefore well worth seeking input from others. Ask friends and colleagues what they think you do skilfully. What are you the go-to person for at work? Check whether others identify things you’ve missed. Note them down.
3. Provide supporting evidence for your qualities
Next, Illustrate your skills, strengths and values by giving examples of how you’ve used them in practice. Evidence will make them feel more real and will enable you to talk about them with confidence at interview.
4. Identify your unique combination of qualities
When combined, your qualities create more than the sum of their parts.
For example, I am skilled in persuading and influencing other people to do what I want or need. If I also ensure I understand others’ needs by using my active listening skills and integrity I am more likely to achieve their buy-in.
If I use my persuading and influencing skills without actively listening or using my integrity, I am simply selling.
5. Reflect on times when you’ve been successful in work roles
What were you doing and how were you doing it? Deconstruct your examples to identify the particular qualities you were using in combination to understand what made you successful.
6. Project forward
You now have the raw materials from which to complete applications with rich and authentic examples of your qualities in action. Try combining three of your unique qualities into a personal statement which you could use at the top of your CV. Combine three qualities that ‘fit’ well with the role you’re applying for. See also my post on Personal Branding.
7. Use your unique qualities to answer motivation-based interview questions compellingly.
For example:
- Tell me a bit about yourself?
- How would others describe you?
- What would you bring to this role?
Motivational questions don’t have a ‘right’ answer. However they often take us by surprise, even though we know they may be asked. Understanding your strengths in particular, will enable you to prepare well and respond with conviction.
In conclusion
Sharing your qualities at an interview and how you’ve harnessed yours to make a positive impact is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to do the job. You don’t have to use superlatives to achieve this. However, knowing and owning your unique qualities will help you present yourself and your accomplishments with confidence, increasing your chances of securing a job offer.
Be who you are and do it on purpose. Dolly Parton
